North Carolina Paramedic Teams Compete for Top Honors at Annual Expo

Paramedics Set to Compete in North Carolina for Prestigious Title

The Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, will host the 34th annual North Carolina Paramedic Competition on Sunday, May 3. This thrilling event, a highlight of the NC Emergency Medical Services Expo, will see six teams from across the state vying for the title of Top Paramedic Team.

The reigning champions, Cape Fear Cumberland EMS, will defend their title against formidable opponents from Alamance County EMS, Atrium WFUBMC AirCare, Cabarrus County EMS, Randolph County Emergency Services, and Surry County Emergency Services. These teams earned their spots by winning regional competitions on March 13, held in counties including Brunswick, Catawba, Cumberland, Johnston, and Surry.

During the competition, teams are removed from isolation to tackle a secretive mock emergency scenario in a ballroom filled with peers. This event is part of the 51st annual NC Emergency Medical Services Expo, spanning from May 1 to May 6.

Scenarios are crafted by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Emergency Medical Services, alongside medical advisor Dr. Bryan Kitch. These scenarios aim to replicate real-life emergencies with unexpected twists, challenging teams to rapidly assess and administer appropriate treatment within a time constraint.

Serving as a significant training platform, the competition is observed by numerous paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and medical directors. Teams are evaluated on professionalism, communication, patient interaction, conduct, attitude, appearance, and clinical management by a panel of judges from South Carolina, all experienced in emergency medical services.

The victorious team will be revealed at the Emergency Medical Services Expo awards banquet on Tuesday, May 5, based on the judges’ assessments.

Event Details

What: 34th annual North Carolina Paramedic Competition

When: Sunday, May 3, from noon to 4 p.m. (first team competes at 12:45 p.m.)

Where: Benton Convention Center, 301 W. 5th Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Media Guidelines

Credentialed media are invited to attend but must remain outside the scenario perimeter and refrain from using flash photography. The audience is not permitted to take photographs or videos during the competition.